KR20150103736A - Pipe machining apparatus with hinge and lifting member and support member for a pipe machining apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pipe machining apparatus 20 wherein the pipe machining apparatus 20 includes a hinge 424 for moving the two sections 24A, 24D of the pipe machining apparatus 20 relative to each other, 29). Supporting members 88 (in particular, Figs. 4-8) in the form of adjustable legs having pads 104 can support the pipe machining device 20 on the surface. A support member 388 (in particular, Figs. 18 to 20) in the form of a lifting auxiliary having two mutually perpendicular flanges 396, 404 with holes 400, 408, 25), respectively, to lift the pipe processing apparatus 20.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a pipe machining apparatus having a hinge and a lifting member, and a support member for a pipe machining apparatus,

[Cross reference of related application]

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 750,445, filed January 9, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

The present invention relates generally to a pipe machining apparatus, and more particularly to a split frame pipe machining apparatus for machining a large diameter pipe.

There are a variety of different types of pipe machining devices for performing various machining processes on pipes. One such process involves cutting the pipe. The large diameter pipe may be cut with a split frame pipe processing apparatus that includes two frame halves that surround the pipe from each side and are joined together around the pipe. Such a pipe cutter includes a tool or cutting device that is moved toward the pipe in small increments during the cutting process to surround the pipe and gradually cut into the pipe. After all, after the adjustment of many small increments towards the pipe, the pipe will be completely cut.

Existing pipe cutting devices are large in size, heavy, and may contain multiple parts, thereby making it difficult to assemble and operate the pipe cutting device. Moreover, such pipe cutting devices may be difficult to locate around the pipe.

Moreover, due to the roller bearings between the tool carrier and the frame of the pipe machining device, the tool carrier may move relative to the frame during assembly and setup of the pipe machining device. Prior to assembly of the section or half of the pipe machining device, the section of the pipe machining device has an open end, and the section of the tool carrier may be undesirably slid off from the frame section.

In addition, the split frame pipe finishing apparatus is limited in the manner in which they can be coupled to the pipe. The parts used to join the pipe machining device to the pipe have limitations that do not provide a wide range of functionality.

The pipe machining apparatus includes a plurality of bearings between the tool carrier and the frame to facilitate movement of the tool carrier relative to the frame and pipe. These bearings experience significant stresses and often wear prematurely due to improper lubrication.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved divided frame pipe processing apparatus for machining a large diameter pipe.

The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on these claims.

In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and includes a first section including a first portion of the frame and a first portion including a first portion of the tool carrier, and a second section including a second portion of the frame and a second portion of the tool carrier do. The first section and the second section are configured to be coupled together around at least a portion of the pipe. The frame is configured to be fixed relative to the pipe, and the tool carrier is configured to move relative to the frame and the pipe. The pipe processing apparatus also includes a hinge coupled to the first section and the second section. The hinge is configured to allow movement of the first section and the second section relative to each other about the hinge.

In another aspect, a support member for a pipe machining apparatus is provided. The support member includes a coupling member configured to engage and engage the support member with the pipe processing apparatus, a body coupled to and extending from the coupling member, and a pad coupled to the body and configured to engage a surface thereon for supporting the pipe processing apparatus .

In another aspect, a pipe processing apparatus is provided and includes a frame configured to be coupled to and secured to the pipe, a frame and a tool carrier coupled to and movable relative to the pipe, and a support member coupled to the frame. The support member includes a first flange defining a first bore therein and a second flange defining a second bore therein. The support member is configured to be coupled to the lifting mechanism for lifting the pipe processing apparatus.

1 is a plan frontal perspective view of an exemplary pipe machining apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment.
Figure 2 is a planar rear perspective view of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, in accordance with one embodiment.
3 is a front view of a portion of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, in which a part thereof is broken to show the interlocking of the pinion gear and the gear rack of the pipe machining apparatus, according to one embodiment.
4 is an elevational view of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment.
5 is a bottom perspective view of a plurality of support members of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment.
Figure 6 is a plan perspective view of one of the support members shown in Figure 5, according to one embodiment.
Figure 7 is an exploded view of the support member shown in Figure 6, according to one embodiment.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a support member and portion of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal extent of the support member and through the center of the support member, according to one embodiment .
9 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary mating member of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, shown in a first position for coupling the pipe machining apparatus to the outer surface of the pipe, according to one embodiment.
10 is a cross-sectional view of the mating member shown in Fig. 9, taken in accordance with one embodiment, taken parallel to the longitudinal extent of the mating member and through the center of the mating member;
11 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary mating member of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, shown in a first position for coupling the pipe machining apparatus to the outer surface of the pipe, according to one embodiment.
12 is a rear perspective view of the coupling member shown in Fig. 11, shown in a second position for coupling the pipe machining apparatus to the inner surface of the pipe, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the pipe machining apparatus shown in FIG. 1, shown with a portion of the pipe machining apparatus broken to illustrate the locking member, in accordance with one embodiment.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the locking member shown in Figure 13, according to one embodiment.
15 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the locking member and pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 13, according to one embodiment.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal extent of the bearing assembly and through the center of the bearing member, according to one embodiment.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 16 of a bearing assembly illustrating an exemplary oil flow as represented by directional arrows, according to one embodiment.
Figure 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary support member of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, in accordance with one embodiment.
19 is an exploded view of the support member shown in Fig. 18, according to one embodiment.
Figure 20 is another perspective view of the support member shown in Figure 18, according to one embodiment.
Figure 21 is an elevation view of an exemplary rigging position associated with a section of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment, wherein the section of the pipe machining apparatus is oriented in a vertical posture It is an elevation.
Figure 22 is a plan perspective view of another exemplary rigging position associated with one section of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment, wherein the section of the pipe machining apparatus is oriented in a horizontal orientation, to be.
Figure 23 is an elevational view of another exemplary rigging position associated with two sections of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment, wherein the two sections of the pipe machining apparatus are oriented in a vertical posture It is an elevation.
Figure 24 is a plan perspective view of another exemplary rigging position associated with two sections of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment, wherein two sections of the pipe machining apparatus are oriented in a horizontal posture It is a flat perspective.
25 is a plan perspective view of yet another exemplary rigging position associated with the entire pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment, in which the pipe machining apparatus is oriented in a horizontal posture.
26 is a plan perspective view of the hinge of the pipe machining apparatus shown in Fig. 1, with the hinge being shown in the engaged position, according to one embodiment.
Figure 27 is an elevation view of the pipe machining apparatus and hinge shown in Figure 26, with the hinge being shown in the disengaged position, in accordance with one embodiment.
28 is an elevational view of a pipe machining apparatus and a hinge, shown in a separate vertical posture, to enable the pipe machining apparatus to be disposed around the pipe, in accordance with one embodiment;
29 is an enlarged elevational view of a portion of a pipe processing apparatus and a hinge in a discrete position, in accordance with one embodiment.
30 is a perspective view of a portion of an engagement member and an exemplary pad, according to one embodiment.
31 is an exploded view of the pad shown in Fig. 30, according to one embodiment.
32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 of Fig. 30, according to one embodiment.

The invention may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. The components of the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an exemplary embodiment of a pipe machining apparatus 20 configured to process pipes of various diameters is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the device 20 is completely cut through the pipe. In another exemplary embodiment, the device 20 prepares the end of the pipe for attachment to another pipe. In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 20 completely cuts and prepares the pipe for attachment to another pipe. The apparatus 20 may include a variety of different diameter pipes, such as, for example, about 60 inches, about 75 inches, about 90 inches, about 105 inches, about 120 inches, less than 60 inches, As shown in FIG.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pipe machining apparatus 20 is formed of four coupled sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and includes a frame 28 and a tool carrier 32. In the illustrated embodiment, A portion of the frame 28 and the tool carrier 32 are contained within respective sections 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D and the four sections 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D together comprise a frame 28 and a tool carrier (32). A drive mechanism 34 is coupled to the periphery 35 of the frame 28 and includes a pair of suitable drive motors 44A and 44B such as air motors with suitable gear reduction means and a pair of pinion gears 40A, and 40B. The frame 28 is coupled to and secured to the pipe and the tool carrier 32 is rotatable relative to the fixed frame 28 and the pipe. The motors 44A and 44B are configured to rotate the tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28 via a gear train. The tool carrier 32 has a circular gear rack 56 for interlocking with the pinion gears 40A, 40B coupled to the motors 44A, 44B. The drive motors 44A and 44B thus drive the tool carrier 32 against the frame 28 through the gear train provided by the pinion gears 40A and 40B and the circular gear rack 56 on the tool carrier 32 As shown in FIG.

The rotatable tool carrier 32 includes at least one tool support 48 [2] for supporting a tool 52 for performing cutting or machining operations on the pipe as the tool 52 is rotated circumferentially about the pipe (Shown in the exemplary embodiment in which the tool supports 48 are shown). The tool support 48 is coupled to the tool carrier 32 by a plurality of fasteners 116. The machining operations performed by the tool (s) 52 include a straight edge perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the pipe, a slope at the end of the pipe at an angle other than 90 degrees to the longitudinal extent of the pipe, Or an edge of a pipe having an arbitrary angle.

The apparatus 20 further comprises a plurality of mating members 68 which are engageable with the exterior of the pipe and which have suitable adjustability for positioning the device 20 in the outer, concentric or axial direction of the pipe. The engagement member 68 is also positionable on the device 20 to engage the interior of the pipe and is suitably adjustable to engage, concentrically or axially position the device 20 within the interior of the pipe. The engagement member 68 will be described in more detail below.

The tool carrier 32 is rotatably mounted on the frame 28 by a plurality of roller bearings 72 and is supported by the frame. The roller bearing 72 lies within a circular bearing race 76 inside the tool carrier 32. Exemplary race 76 and exemplary roller bearing 72 can be seen in Figures 10, 16 and 17 and will be described in more detail below.

The apparatus 20 also includes a forward and backward adjustable advancing mechanism 80 coupled to each tool support 48 to advance the tool 52 toward the pipe.

With continued reference to Figs. 1-3 and with reference to Figs. 4-8, the pipe machining apparatus 20 further comprises a plurality of set-up legs or support members 88. Fig. The support member 88 is used during assembly, setup, or disassembly of the pipe processing apparatus 20, or when the pipe processing apparatus 20 is not in use. The support member 88 supports the apparatus 20 in an elevated position relative to the ground to prevent components from protruding from the frame 28 and from damaging the tool carrier 32 against contact with the ground. In addition, the height provided by the support member 88 positions the device 20 in a more accessible ergonomic position for assembly, setup, and disassembly of the device 20. [

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 20 includes a total of twelve support members 88 having respective sections 24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D that include three support members 88. Alternatively, each of the sections 24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D may include any number of support members 88, And all such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

With particular reference to Figures 5-8, the plurality of support members 88 are substantially identical in construction and operation. Thus, only one of the support members 88 will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that the description and drawings contained herein apply to all of the support members 88 of the pipe machining apparatus 20.

Each support member 88 includes a body 92, an engagement member 96, an elastic member 100, a pad 104, and an adjustable member 108. The body 92 is generally cylindrical in shape and forms a cavity 112 therein (see FIG. 8). The engagement member 96 is also generally cylindrical in shape and has a smaller width / diameter than the body 92 to provide a lip or shoulder and is in fluid communication with the cavity 112 to provide a longitudinal aperture 120 are formed. The engagement member 96 is positioned within the cavity 112 at the first end of the body 92 and is positioned in the body 92 in a state in which a portion of the engagement member 96 projects past the first end of the body 92 . The engagement member 96 may be coupled to the body 92 in a variety of different manners, such as, for example, press fit, interference fit, friction fit, weld, splice or any other combination. In other exemplary embodiments, the engagement member 96 may be integrally formed with the body 92 as a single portion. The portion of the engagement member 96 that extends past the body 92 is located within the corresponding hole 124 formed in the frame 28 of the apparatus 20. The elastic member 100 is located in the groove 128 formed in the engaging member 96 and protrudes slightly beyond the periphery of the engaging member 96. [ In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the resilient member 100 is an O-ring. Alternatively, the elastic member 100 may be a wide variety of other members, all of which are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Both the frame hole 124, the engagement member 96 and the elastic member 100 are both configured to provide a hermetic seal between the resilient member 100 and the inner surface of the frame hole 124, 124 to provide sufficient friction between the inner surfaces of the support members 88, 124 to secure the support members 88 to the frame 28. The user must apply a desired amount of force to the support member 88 in a direction away from the frame 28 and out of the hole 124 to remove the support member 88 from the frame aperture 124. [ The body 92 defines an internal thread 132 at its second end for receiving the external threaded portion 136 of the adjustable member 108 in a threaded manner. The adjustable member 108 may be threaded into or out of the body 92 to adjust the length of the support member 88 thereby providing the ability to adjust the height of the apparatus 20 from the ground. This height adjustability may provide the ability to ensure that the device 20 is flat or level on a non-uniform ground. That is, the length of the plurality of support members 88 may be individually adjusted to accommodate the uneven ground and may ensure that the device 20 as a whole is flat or level. The adjustable member 108 also includes a pad member 140 that is generally spherical or hemispherical in shape and is received within a receptacle 144 within the pad 104. The pad 104 is movable about three axes relative to the adjustable member 108 (similar to a ball-and-socket coupling), thereby allowing the support member 88 to receive a non- And ensures that the support member 88 is substantially vertical while the pad 104 may not be horizontal. The pad 104 is configured to engage the ground and provides a relatively wide engaging surface area to ensure robustness.

When inserting the engaging member 96 into the frame hole 124, air present in the frame hole 124 needs to be evacuated from it to form a space for the engaging member 96. The hermetic seal created between the elastic member 100 and the inner surface of the frame hole 124 prevents air from exhausting from the frame hole 124 around the periphery of the engagement member 96. The pressure can be maintained within the hole 124 to a degree sufficient to prevent insertion of the engagement member 96 when air is not exhausted from the frame hole 124 when the engagement member 96 is inserted into the frame hole 124. [ May rise. The hole 120 formed in the engagement member 96 is in fluid communication with the cavity 112 formed in the body 92. As the engagement member 96 is inserted into the frame hole 124, air is evacuated from the frame hole 124 through the hole 120 formed in the engagement member 96 and into the cavity 112. The cavity 112 is dimensioned sufficiently to receive air evacuating from the frame aperture 124 to ensure that pressure does not rise to a sufficient level to prevent insertion of the engagement member 96 into the aperture 124. The support member 88 that receives air in the frame hole 124 ensures the complete insertion of the engagement member 96 into the frame hole 124. [

1, 2, 9, and 10, an exemplary mating member 68 is shown. As indicated above, a plurality of mating members 68 are configured to couple the apparatus 20 to the pipe. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2, 9 and 10, a mating member 68 is positioned to engage the device 20 on the outer surface of the pipe. Alternatively, the engagement member 68 may be coupled to the frame 28 in a reverse orientation to engage the device 20 with the inner surface of the pipe.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, a single mating member 68 is shown. The engaging member 68 is substantially identical in construction and operation. Thus, only one of the engagement members 68 will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that the detailed description and drawings contained herein apply to all engagement members 68 of the pipe machining apparatus 20.

The engagement member 68 is coupled to the frame 28 and extends through the opening 152 formed through the frame 28. Moreover, the longitudinal extent of the engagement member 68 is oriented radially with respect to the central axis 156 of the device 20. [ The engagement member 68 includes a first support member 160, a second support member 164, a body member 168, a sleeve 172, and a guide member 176. The first support member 160 is coupled to the periphery 35 of the frame 28 via a fastener 180 and includes therein a cavity 184 configured to receive the body member 168 therein . The first end of the body member 168 is positioned between the shoulder 192 of the first support member 160 and the cap 196 to engage the first end of the body member 168 with the first support member 160 And includes a captured protrusion 188. The cap 196 is fixed in place via a plurality of fasteners 200. The first end of the body member 168 also includes a tool engagement member 204 configured to engage by a tool for rotation of the body member 168. The second end of the body member 168 includes an external thread 208 associated with an internal thread 212 formed on an interior surface of the sleeve 172. A groove 216 is formed in the outer surface of the sleeve 172 and the guide member 176 permits translational movement of the sleeve 172 along the body member 168, As shown in FIG. The guide member 176 and the groove 216 are formed in a complementary fashion to ensure a snug fit of the guide member 176 in the groove 216. This tight fit prevents rotation of the sleeve 172 relative to the frame 28. The guide member 176 is securely fixed to the frame 28 within a hole 220 formed in the frame 28. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the groove 216 has a "V" shape and the guide member 176 has a complementary wedge shape that fits snugly within the "V" shaped groove 216. The groove 216 and the guide member 176 allow the interaction between the groove 216 and the guide member 176 to permit translational movement of the sleeve 172 along the body member 168, Such as a square, a rectangle, another polygonal shape, or any other configuration, as long as it prevents rotation of the sleeve 172 relative to the sleeve 172. Sleeve 172 also includes a foot member 224 at a second end of sleeve 172. The foot member 224 is configured to engage the surface of the pipe. The foot member 224 is also configured to engage a pad (described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 30-32) that is capable of engaging the surface of the pipe rather than the foot member 224 engaging the surface of the pipe. The foot member 224 and pad may have a variety of different shapes and may be made of a wide variety of materials depending on the type and size of the pipe to which the device 20 is to be joined.

The second support member 164 is coupled to the inner surface 244 of the frame 28 via a fastener 232 and forms a cavity 236 therethrough through which the sleeve 172 is positioned. The end portion 240 of the cavity 236 is complementary in size and shape to the outer periphery of the sleeve 172 to provide lateral support to the sleeve 172. The engagement between the second support member 164 and the sleeve 172 at the end 240 of the second support member 164 occurs at a distance past the inner surface 244 of the frame 28, And provides support to the sleeve 172 at a greater distance from the sleeve 28. Without the second support member 164, the lateral support of the sleeve 172 will stop at the inner surface 244 of the frame 28. Thus, the second support member 164 provides additional lateral support to the sleeve 172 and reduces the chance of bending or deforming the sleeve 172 due to lateral forces.

The length of the engagement member 68 is adjustable to accommodate pipes of different diameters. To adjust the length of the engagement member 68 a user engages the tool with the tool engagement member 204 of the body member 168 and engages the tool in the desired direction to shorten or extend the length of the engagement member 68. [ (Not shown). The rotation of the body member 168 causes the body member 168 to rotate relative to the frame 28 and the first support member 160. A threaded engagement between the body member 168 and the sleeve 172 causes the sleeve 172 to translationally move relative to the body member 168. The engagement between the guide member 176 and the groove 216 in the sleeve 172 causes the sleeve 172 to translate but causes the sleeve 172 to rotate with the body member 168 relative to the frame 28 prevent. Rotating the body member 168 in one direction causes retraction of the sleeve 172 into the aperture 220 formed in the frame 28 from the pipe and rotating the body member 168 in the other direction causes the sleeve 172 to rotate, To extend toward the pipe and out of the hole 220. The use of the second support member 164 is advantageous when the device 20 is coupled to the small diameter pipe and the sleeve 172 projects a large distance out of the aperture 220 from the frame 28 (As shown).

11, device 20 may be coupled to a larger diameter pipe, which requires sleeve 172 to extend a short distance out of hole 20 out of frame 28. Referring now to Fig. In this situation, the second support member 164 may not be required. The additional support provided by the second support member 164 may not be required when the sleeve 172 extends a short distance from the inner surface 244 of the frame 28. [ Moreover, the sleeve 172 preferably fits into the hole 220 in the frame 28, in some cases, where the diameter of the pipe is very similar to the central opening of the device 20 formed by the inner surface 244 of the frame 28. [ It may need to be retired. In this case, the second support member 164 will prevent the sleeve 172 from retracting into the hole 220 in an amount necessary to accommodate such a large diameter pipe, and thus the second support member will not be used .

As indicated above, the engagement member 68 is configured to engage the device 20 in a reverse orientation or position relative to that shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9-11, (Not shown). Referring to Fig. 12, an exemplary mating member 68 is coupled to the frame 28 in a reverse position to engage the device 20 with the inner surface of the pipe. The first support member 160 is coupled to the inner surface 244 of the frame 28 and the sleeve 172 extends beyond the aperture 220 and beyond the perimeter 35 of the frame 28 The foot member 224 is positioned outside the frame 28 for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe. The second support member 164 is not shown in Fig. However, the second support member 164 may be used in conjunction with the engagement member 68 in this position and will be coupled to the perimeter 35 of the frame 28. In this position, the length of the engagement member 68 is adjusted in the same manner as described above.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 13-15, a locking member 248 is shown to prevent movement of the tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28. It may be desirable to prevent the tool carrier 32 from moving relative to the frame 28 during assembly, setup or disassembly of the apparatus 20, and / or when the apparatus 20 is not in use. When the device 20 is assembled or disassembled, the device 20 is in a plurality of discrete sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D having open ends. The tool carrier portions included in each section may rotate about the frame portions contained in the respective sections and slide out of the frame portions. It is desirable to hold the tool carrier portion and the frame portion together so that they are not moved relative to one another during assembly of the sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D. The locking member 248 prevents the tool carrier 32 from moving relative to the frame 28. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 1), the two sections 24B and 24D include a locking member 248. Alternatively, any number of sections may include locking member 248. [

The locking member 248 is movable between a locking position in which the tool carrier 32 is prevented from moving relative to the frame 28 and an unlocked position in which the tool carrier 32 is movable relative to the frame 28. The apparatus 20 includes a first indicia 252 indicating the location of the locking position and a second indicia 256 indicating the location of the unlocking position. The tool carrier 32 forms a tool carrier hole 260 in the vicinity of the first marking 252 and the frame 28 forms a frame hole 264. The apparatus 20 further includes an insertion member 268 positioned between the frame 28 and the tool carrier 32 and forming an insertion hole 272 therethrough. The insertion member 268 is fixed in place with respect to the frame 28, and the insertion hole 272 is always aligned with the frame hole 264. The tool carrier 32 is movable with respect to the frame 28 so that the tool carrier hole 260 is movable relative to the aligned insertion hole 272 and the frame hole 264. The frame hole 264 includes a first portion 276 having a first diameter and a second portion 280 having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. A shoulder 284 is provided at the transition from the first portion 276 to the second portion 280 of the frame hole 264. [

A wide variety of different types of locking members may be used with the device 20 to prevent movement of the tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28 and all such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, locking member 248 includes a handle 288, a housing 292, a plunger 296, a biasing member, and a pair of movable projections 300. The handle 288 is located at one end of the housing 292 and the handle 288 and the housing 292 together define a locking member cavity 304 in which the plunger 296 is located. The plunger 296 is movable within the cavity 304 and biased toward the handle end of the locking member 248 by the biasing member. The user will push the plunger 296 into the cavity 304 against the biasing force of the biasing member and the biasing member will return the plunger 296 outwardly to its pre-push position. The second end of the plunger 296 is positioned between the two projections 300 captured in an opening formed in the second end of the housing 292. The protrusion 300 is movable relative to the housing 292 in the opening. The second end of the plunger 296 includes a first portion having a first width or diameter and a second portion having a second width or diameter less than the first width or diameter. When the plunger 296 is not pressed, the first portion of the plunger 296 is aligned with the protrusion 300 and the protrusion 300 is deflected outwardly of the opening. The second portion of the plunger 296 is aligned with the protrusion 300 and the protrusion 300 is movable in the opening toward the center of the housing 292 when the plunger 296 is pressed. The second width or diameter limits the extent to which the protrusion 300 can move inwardly.

The tool carrier hole 260 is aligned with the pre-aligned frame and insert holes 264 and 272 and the locking member 248 is aligned with the pre-aligned frame and insert holes 264 and 272 to position the locking member 248 and the device 20 in the locked position. Are inserted into the holes 260, 264, and 272. The plunger 296 allows the protrusion 300 to be moved inwardly into the housing 292 so that the locking member 248 is allowed to pass all the way into the aligned holes 260,264 and 272. In some embodiments, It may be necessary to press down. In this exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 300 is sufficiently extended past the housing 292 to prevent the locking member 248 from being inserted all the way into the holes 260, 264, 272 and to prevent the pushing of the plunger 296 Failure will keep protrusion 300 in the extended position. Once the locking member 248 is fully inserted into the aligned holes 260,264 and 272 and the protrusion 300 is positioned within the second portion 280 of the frame hole 264, Or may be moved outwardly to a predetermined position. The first portion of the plunger 296 is aligned with the protrusion 300 and the protrusion 300 is deflected outwardly of the opening with the plunger 296 in the unpressed position. In this position, the protrusion 300 prevents the locking member 248 from being removed from the aligned holes 260, 264, and 272. Any effort to pull the locking member 248 out of the aligned holes 260, 264 and 272 will cause the protrusion 300 to engage the shoulder 284 from the aligned holes 260, 264 and 272 Thereby preventing any retraction of the locking member 248. The locking member 248 and the device 20 are now in the locked position.

To move the locking member 248 and the apparatus 20 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the user presses the plunger 296 to align the second portion of the plunger 296 with the protrusion 300, (300) to move within the opening toward the center of the housing (292). The user then pulls the locking member 248 outwardly of the aligned holes 260,264 and 272 which causes the protrusion 300 to engage the shoulder 284 and the shoulder 284 to engage the protrusion 300, Into the openings formed in the housing 292. The user is able to fully retract the locking member 248 from the aligned holes 260, 264, 272 with the protrusions 300 in their inward or retracted position. With the locking member 248 fully retracted from the aligned holes 260, 264 and 272, the locking member 248 and the device 20 are now in the unlocked position.

The device 20 also includes a storage location for the locking member 248 when not in use. The storage location is near the second marking 256 and is formed by the storage holes 308 formed in the frame 28. The storage hole 308 includes a first portion 312 having a first width or diameter and a second portion 316 having a second width or diameter greater than the first width or diameter. A shoulder 320 is provided at the transition from the first portion 312 and the second portion 316 of the storage bore 308. [ The locking member 248 may be inserted into the storage bore 308 in the same manner as it was inserted into the aligned holes 260, 264, 272 in the locked position. The plunger 296 may be released and the protrusion 300 may be released when the locking member 248 is fully positioned within the storage bore 308 and the protrusion 300 is within the second portion 316 of the storage bore 308 And is deflected outwardly of the hole. The locking member 248 is now in the storage position and can not be removed unless the user presses on the plunger 296. [

In some exemplary embodiments, the insert hole 272 has a size tolerance that is closer or closer to the size of the locking member housing 292 than the tool carrier hole 260 and the frame hole 264. The tool carrier hole 260 and the frame hole 264 may be slightly looser around the locking member housing 292 than the insertion hole 272 and the tool carrier hole 260 and the frame Significant time and expense to provide holes 264 is avoided. The insertion member 268 will provide lateral support to the locking member 248 with the insertion hole 272 being tightly tolerated in the locking member housing 292. [ It is generally more time-efficient and cost effective to form the insert hole 272 more tightly than the tool carrier hole 260 and the frame hole 264.

16 and 17, an exemplary roller bearing 72 of the apparatus 20 is shown. Device 20 includes a plurality of roller bearings 72, but since only roller bearings 72 are substantially identical in construction and operation, only one is illustrated herein.

Each roller bearing 72 includes a spindle 324, a roller 328 and a one-phase bearing assembly 332 between the spindle 324 and the roller 328. In operation, the spindle 324 is oriented substantially horizontally. The spindle 324 is coupled to the tool carrier 32 and the roller 328 is positioned within the raceway 76 to engage the frame 28. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the roller 328 is a "V" shaped roller 328 that includes two slopes 336 and a peak or vertex 340, where the two slopes 336 converge . A cavity 344 is formed between the roller 328 and the spindle 324 and two bearing assemblies 332 are positioned within the cavity 344. [ The bearing assembly 332 facilitates smooth movement of the rollers 328 around the spindle 324.

The spindle 324 also forms a lubricant cavity 348 therein. A lubricant cavity 348 is formed within the first end 352 of the spindle 324 and extends a substantial amount through the spindle 324 toward the second end 356 of the spindle 324 and a second end 356). A pressure relief vent or plug 358 is positioned within the lubricant cavity 348 to seal the lubricant cavity 348 when required and to vent an excess pressure when necessary. The lubricant cavity 348 is parallel and centrally located within the spindle 324 about the central longitudinal axis 360. The lubricant cavity 348 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a first portion 364 having a first diameter, a second portion 368 having a second diameter less than the first diameter, a third portion 368 having a third diameter less than the first and second diameters, A third portion 372 having a diameter, and a fourth portion 376 having a fourth diameter less than the first, second, and third diameters. The fourth portion 376 is located near the second end 356 of the lubricant cavity 348 and extends generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 360 of the spindle 324. A fourth portion 376 is formed in the side 380 of the spindle 324 and is in fluid communication with the cavity 344 between the spindle 324 and the roller 328.

It is contemplated that the configuration of the lubricant cavity 348 shown herein is merely exemplary in nature and that the lubricant cavity 348 can have a wide variety of different configurations and all such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention . For example, the lubricant cavity 348 may include any number of portions (including one portion) having a diameter of any size. Also, for example, the lubricant cavity 348 may include, but is not limited to, a square cross-sectional shape, a triangular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, or any other polygonal or arcuate cross- And may have a shape other than a cylindrical shape (having a circular cross-sectional shape).

17, the pressure relief vent 358 is removed and lubricant is injected into the lubricant cavity 348 at the first end 352 of the spindle 324, And into the lubricant cavity 348 as shown. A desired amount of lubricant is introduced into the lubricant cavity 348 to provide sufficient lubrication to the roller bearing 72. [ The fourth portion 376 of the lubricant cavity 348 facilitates lubricant flow into the cavity 344 formed between the spindle 324 and the roller 328 which causes the bearing assembly 332 to be lubricated. An overflow hole 386 is formed in the spindle 324 to cause excess lubricant to flow therethrough out of the cavity 348 as shown by arrow 387. [ The overflow hole 386 is in fluid communication with the cavity 348. In some exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to fill the lubricant cavity 348 only partially. For example, it may be desirable to fill approximately half of the lubricant cavity 348. After the lubricant cavity 348 is sufficiently filled, the pressure relief vent 358 is inserted into the lubricant cavity 348.

Referring now to Figures 18-20, an exemplary support member 388 of the device 20 is shown. The apparatus 20 includes a plurality of support members 388 coupled to the perimeter 35 or periphery of the frame 28. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 20 includes a total of eight support members 388 and two support members 388 are coupled to the respective sections 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D . In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 20 may include an arbitrary number of support members 388 as a whole and may include any number of support members in each of the sections 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D You may. The support member 388 is substantially identical in structure and operation. Thus, only one of the support members 388 will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that the detailed description and drawings contained herein apply to all of the support members 388 of the pipe machining apparatus 20.

Each support member 388 is tightly coupled to the frame 28 by a pair of fasteners 392. The support member 388 includes a first flange 396 defining a first bore 400 therethrough and a second flange 404 defining a second bore 408 therethrough. The first flange 396 and the second flange 404 are generally perpendicular to each other. The first flange 396 is generally parallel to the front face 412 of the tool carrier 32 and is generally perpendicular to the central axis 156 of the device 20. The second flange 404 is generally perpendicular to the front face 412 of the tool carrier 32 and extends parallel to the central axis 156 of the device 20.

As indicated above, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each of the sections 24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D includes two support members 388. In the illustrated embodiment, The support members 388 of each section are generally mirror image mirror images of each other with respect to a vertical plane extending along the central axis 156. Support member 388 is used during assembly, setup, disassembly, and manipulation of apparatus 20. The support member 388 provides more flexibility and makes it easier to assemble, set up, disassemble and operate the device 20. The device 20 and components thereof may be lifted and operated with various different types of powered lifting mechanisms. Moreover, a variety of different types of hardware may be used between the apparatus 20 and the lifting mechanism, thereby coupling the apparatus 20 to the lifting mechanism. The exemplary lifting mechanisms and hardware described and illustrated herein are not intended to be limiting in the present disclosure.

Referring now to Figures 21-25, exemplary use of the support member 388 during assembly, setup, disassembly and operation of the apparatus 20 will be described and illustrated.

With particular reference to Figure 21, a single section 24A of the device 20 is shown and shown as being lifted to a vertical position. Exemplary hardware for coupling the section 24 to the lifting mechanism is shown, but is not intended to be limiting. Exemplary hardware includes a pair of engagement members 416 coupled to a first flange 396 of a support member 388. The support member 388 is suitably positioned on the section 24A so as to position the center of gravity of the section 24A equally spaced between the support members 388 such that the section 24A is shown in Figure 21 Ensuring that they are lifted in a horizontal manner as well.

22, support member 388 also provides the ability to lift device 20 and components thereof into a horizontal posture as well as a vertical posture. Figure 22 shows a single section 24A of the device 20 being lifted into the horizontal posture. Exemplary hardware for coupling section 24A to a lifting mechanism is shown, but is not intended to be limiting. Exemplary hardware includes two engagement members 416 coupled to the second flange 404 of the support member 388 and one of the engagement members 416 is coupled to the engagement member 68. The support member 388 and the engagement member 68 are positioned on the section 24A by properly positioning the center of gravity of the section 24A such that the section 24A is positioned in a horizontal manner To ensure lifting.

With particular reference to Fig. 23, two co-joined sections 24A, 24B of the device 20 are shown and are shown lifted into a vertical position. Exemplary hardware for coupling the two sections 24A, 24B to the lifting mechanism is shown, but is not intended to be limiting. Exemplary hardware includes a pair of engagement members 416 and one engagement member 416 is coupled to the first flange 396 of one of the support members 388 in the first section 24A, The engagement member 416 is coupled to the first flange 396 of one of the support members 388 in the second section 24A. The support members 388 are suitably positioned on the sections 24A and 24B to position the centers of gravity of the sections 24A and 24B joined together equally spaced on the support member 388 to form sections 24A and 24B, Is lifted in a horizontal manner as shown in Fig.

Referring now to Fig. 24, two co-joined sections 24A, 24B of the device 20 are shown and are shown lifted into a horizontal position. Exemplary hardware for coupling the two sections 24A, 24B to the lifting mechanism is shown, but is not intended to be limiting. The exemplary hardware includes three engagement members 416 and two engagement members 416 are coupled to the second flange 404 of the support member 388 in the first section 24A, (416) is coupled to the second flange (404) of one of the support members (388) in the second section (24B). A winch or come-along 420 is also shown in Fig. The support member 388 is suitably positioned on the two sections 24A and 24B so as to properly position the centers of gravity of the sections 24A and 24B joined together so that the two sections 24A and 24B are aligned To be lifted in a horizontal manner as shown in Fig.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a fully assembled device 20 is shown that includes four joined together sections 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D. The device 20 is shown as being lifted into a horizontal position. Exemplary hardware for coupling the device 20 to the lifting mechanism is shown, but is not intended to be limiting. The exemplary hardware includes four engagement members 416 and the engagement member 416 is coupled to the second flange 404 of the four support members 388 on the device 20. [ Coupling member 416 is coupled to one of the support members 388 in each section 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D. The support member 388 is suitably positioned on the four sections 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D to properly position the center of gravity of the joined sections 24A, 24B, 24C, Lt; / RTI > is lifted in a horizontal manner as shown in Fig.

One or more sections of the apparatus 20 or the entire assembled apparatus 20 may be lifted in various manners and orientations using the support members 388 and these schemes and orientations as described and illustrated above are exemplary only, It is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limiting. Any and all possibilities of using the support member 388 to lift one or more sections or the entire assembled apparatus 20 are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 26-29, the apparatus 20 includes a hinge 424 configured to assist in positioning the apparatus 20 around the pipe. The hinge 424 includes a lever 428, an arm member 432 (acting together as a bi-directional ratchet member), a pair of upright flange members 436, and a pair of lateral flange members 440 . The lever 428 is coupled to an arm member 432 and the arm member 432 includes a pair of retractable engagement arms 448 that are movable within a cavity 452 formed in the housing 444 and the housing 444, . The distal end of the coupling arm 448 includes a hole 456 therethrough aligned with a hole 460 formed in the upright flange member 436 and each set of aligned holes 456 and 460 includes an arm member 432 To receive a fastener or engagement pin 464 therethrough for engagement with the upper end of the upright flange member 436. [ The engagement pin 464 allows rotation between the upright member 436 and the arm member 432 around the engagement pin 464. [ The lever 428 may be ratcheted in a first direction to pull the arm 448 inwardly thereby shortening the arm 448 or may be ratcheted in the second direction to urge the arm 448 outwardly So that the arm 448 can be extended.

The upright flange member 436 also includes an aperture 468 therethrough aligned with a hole 472 formed in a corresponding end of the lateral flange member 440. The engagement pin 476 is positioned within each set of aligned holes 468 and 472 to couple the upright flange member 436 to the lateral flange member 440. Another engagement pin 480 is positioned in the aligned hole and overlaps the ends of the two lateral flange members 440. The two lateral flange members 440 are rotatable relative to each other about the engagement pin 480. The two lateral flange members 440 are each coupled to the frame 28 with a pair of fasteners 484, 488. The fastener 484 passes through a round hole formed in each lateral flange member 440 shaped similarly to the diameter of the fastener 484. Fastener 488 passes through elongated slot 489 formed in each lateral flange member 440. Fasteners 488 may be threaded to disengage respective lateral flange members 440 from frame 28 (described in greater detail below).

As described above, the hinge 424 assists in joining the device 20 around the pipe. The hinge 424 allows the fully assembled device 20 to be split in half and open around the hinge 424 (see FIG. 28). 26, the hinge 424 is shown in a first position in which the device 20 is in the closed position and both lateral flange members 440 are fastened by fasteners 484 and 488 to the frame 28 And the retractable engagement arm 448 is extended outward, the upright flange member 436 is generally vertical, and the lateral flange member 440 is generally horizontal.

27, the lateral flange member 440 associated with the fastener 488 may be moved away from the frame 28 by loosening the associated two fasteners 488 to begin opening the device 20. [ And is released.

28 and 29, a lifting mechanism or some other suitable driving mechanism is coupled to the two support members 388 as shown in Fig. 28 to provide additional vertical support. After the lateral flange member 440 is disengaged from the frame 28, a coupling mechanism 490 (see, for example, U. S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / Patent application 61 / 750,447, and coupling arrangements disclosed in any of the U.S. patent applications claiming priority to this patent application) are used to initiate two half separation and hinge combinations. The fastener 488 moves within the slot 489 as the two halves move away due to the engagement mechanism 490. The two fasteners 488 are then tightened to rejoin the lateral flange member 440 to the frame 28. [ The lever 428 is then ratcheted in a first direction to pull the arm 448 inwardly and divide the two halves apart. The two lateral flange arms 440 rotate about the engagement pin 480 relative to each other. The lever 428 continues to ratchet until the two halves are separated by a desired amount. The hinge 424 permits proper separation of the two halves of the device 20 and keeps the two halves upper end closely together at the appropriate location for the two ends to recombine together.

With particular reference to Figure 28, the device 20 is sufficiently separated to allow positioning of the device 20 around the pipe. In order to rejoin the two halves of the device 20, the ratchet switch is switched on to the lever so that the lever 428 is ratchet in the opposite direction. The lever 428 is ratchetically actuated in the opposite direction, thereby urging the arm 448 outwardly and rotating the lateral flange members 440 downward again toward their horizontal posture. As the ends approach each other, the fasteners 488 are unscrewed again to disengage each of the lateral flange members 440 from the frame 28. The coupling mechanism 490 is used to move the two halves together again, thereby causing the fastener 488 to move within the slot 489. [ When the two halves of the ends are re-engaged, the fasteners 488 are tightened again. This process may be repeated as needed to selectively engage and disengage the device 20 around the pipe.

Referring now to Figs. 30-32, an exemplary pad 493 is shown coupled to sleeve 172 of engagement member 68. Fig. A pad 493 is configured to engage the surface of the pipe and assist in joining the pipe machining device 20 to the pipe. The pipe processing apparatus 20 includes a plurality of engagement members 68, all of which are configured to include pads 493. Thus, only one of the engagement members 68 and the pads 493 will be described and illustrated herein.

The pad 493 includes a housing 494, an adjusting member 495, a pair of washers 496, a cap 497, a pair of cap fasteners 498, and an engaging member 499. The housing 494 is coupled to the end of the sleeve 172 and defines a cavity 501 configured to receive the first aperture 500 and the engagement member 499 in which the adjustment member 495 is located. The adjustment member 495 includes an external thread 502 received within an engagement member cavity 503 that includes an internal thread 504 that is complementary to an external thread 502 on the adjustment member 495. One washer 496 is positioned over the head of the adjustment member 495 and one washer 496 is positioned below the head of the adjustment member 495. [ The housing 494 also defines second and third holes 505 and 506 configured to receive the cap fasteners 498 for coupling the cap 497 to the housing 494. The cap 497 includes a pair of engagement holes 507 aligned with the second and third holes 505 and 506 in the housing 494 to receive the cap fastener 498. [ The cap 497 also forms a tool engagement portion 508 that is aligned with the head of the adjustable member 495 such that when the cap 497 is coupled to the housing 494 the tool approaches and rotates the adjustment member 495 do. The rotation of the adjustment member 495 causes the engagement member 499 to translationally move along the adjustment member 495. Rotation of the adjustment member 495 in the first direction moves the engagement member 499 in the first direction and rotation of the adjustment member 495 in the second direction moves the engagement member 499 in the second direction . The adjustment of the engagement member 499 assists axially positioning the machine relative to the pipe.

The components and resultant functions of the pipe machining device included herein are configured to be included in any size of pipe machining device to process any size pipe and operate in the same manner, . That is, for example, whether the pipe machining device is configured to cut a pipe of 60 inches or 120 inches, it may be provided with a support member or set leg, a mating member for coupling to the inner or outer surface of the pipe, a locking member, The features, the support members used to lift the pipe machining device, the way of lifting the sections of the device, the way of assembling, and the manner of operation, the hinges, etc. are all included in the pipe machining device of any possible size, Lt; / RTI >

For example, the use of any orientation or directional terminology herein, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "back", "left", "right" It is to be understood that the present invention is not intended to suggest only a single orientation of the associated item or to limit the invention in any way. The use of such orientation or directional terminology is intended to assist in understanding the principles disclosed herein and to correspond to the exemplary orientation depicted in the figures. For example, the pipe machining device may be used in any orientation, and the use of these terms is intended to correspond to the exemplary orientation of the pipe machining device shown in the drawings. The use of these terms in conjunction with a pipe machining device is not intended to limit the pipe machining device to a single orientation or to limit the pipe machining device in any way.

The summary of this specification is provided to enable a reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the idea or meaning of the claim. Moreover, in the foregoing specification, it is to be understood that the various features are grouped together in various embodiments in order to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed claim requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the gist of the present invention is less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a matter individually claimed.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

20: Pipe processing device 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D:
28: Frame 32: Tool carrier
34: drive mechanism 35:
40A, 40B: Pinion gears 44A, 44B:
48: tool support 52: tool

Claims (20)

As a pipe processing apparatus,
A first section including a first portion of the frame and a first portion of the tool carrier,
A second section comprising a second portion of the frame and a second portion of the tool carrier, wherein the first section and the second section are configured to be coupled together around at least a portion of the pipe, Wherein the tool carrier is configured to move relative to the frame and the pipe,
And a hinge coupled to the first and second sections,
Wherein the hinge is configured to allow the first section and the second section to be moved relative to each other about the hinge. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hinge includes a first lateral flange member coupled to the first section and a second lateral flange coupled to the second section. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first lateral flange member and the second lateral flange member are rotatably coupled to each other. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein either the first lateral flange member or the second lateral flange member is positioned between the first section and the second section, Wherein the pipe is disengaged from one. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein either the first lateral flange member or the second lateral flange member is positioned between the first section and the second section, Wherein the one or more pipes are recombined into one. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section are configured to rotate relative to each other. A support member for a pipe processing apparatus,
An engaging member configured to engage the support member in engagement with the pipe machining apparatus,
A body coupled to the coupling member and extending from the coupling member,
And a pad coupled to the body and configured to engage a surface that supports the pipe processing apparatus thereon. 8. The support member according to claim 7, wherein the coupling member comprises an elastic member configured to be coupled to the pipe machining apparatus. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein a recess is formed in the outer surface of the mating member, the recess surrounds the entire periphery of the mating member, the elastic member being an O-ring at least partially positioned within the recess Supporting member. 8. The support member of claim 7, further comprising an adjustable member configured to adjust the length of the support member. 11. The support member of claim 10, wherein the adjustable member is coupled between the pad and the body. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the body comprises threads and the adjustable member includes threads threadably complementary to threads of the body, the adjustable member comprising: The adjustable member being rotatable relative to the body to threadably couple the adjustable member to the body or away from the body. 8. A support member according to claim 7, wherein a cavity is formed in the interior of the body and an opening is formed in the engagement member, the hole penetrating the engagement member in fluid communication with the cavity. As a pipe processing apparatus,
A frame coupled to the pipe and configured to be secured to the pipe,
A tool carrier coupled to the frame and the pipe and movable relative to the frame and the pipe,
And a support member coupled to the frame,
Wherein the support member includes a first flange defining a first hole in the interior of the support member and a second flange defining a second hole in the interior of the support member, To the pipe processing apparatus. 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the first flange is substantially parallel to the front face of the tool carrier and the second flange is substantially perpendicular to the first flange. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the support member is a first support member,
The pipe processing apparatus further comprises a second support member coupled to the frame,
The second support member includes a first flange forming a first hole in the interior of the second support member and a second flange forming a second hole in the interior of the second support member,
Wherein the first and second support members are configured to be simultaneously coupled to a lifting mechanism for lifting the pipe processing apparatus. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and second support members are capable of lifting the pipe processing apparatus to both a generally vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. 17. The tool carrier of claim 16, further comprising a first section including a first portion of the frame and a first portion of the tool carrier, and a second section including a second portion of the frame and a second portion of the tool carrier Including,
Wherein the first section and the second section are configured to be coupled together at least around a portion of the pipe. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first and second support members are coupled to the first section. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first support member is coupled to the first section and the second support member is coupled to the second section.

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